Headstones are designed to honour those who have passed away, but unfortunately, they don’t last forever. Being outside all year round, factors like weathering and erosion can take their toll on headstones over time, while vandalism can cause sudden destruction. While the memories of our loved ones will live on in our hearts regardless, many people choose to have their headstones restored to maintain its beauty and symbolism. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to contact a gravestone cleaning service, keep reading.
Difficulty Reading Inscription
Regardless of the root cause, it’s common for the lettering on headstones to fade after several years - you’ll often find in cemeteries that there are very old gravestones where the inscription has worn away entirely. A routine gravestone cleaning service will easily clear this issue up before the deterioration becomes severe, keeping the headstone looking its best and allowing visitors to better appreciate the message being conveyed.
Chips or Cracks
As mentioned above, headstones are constantly exposed to the elements, which can massively impact their quality. Depending on the material, weathering can lead to cracking over time, which can be something of an eyesore if prominent and detract from the significance of the memorial. However, with the help of a headstone restoration team, cracks and chips can be repaired to have it looking brand new again.
Sinking
Another frequent sight at cemeteries is headstones that are partially submerged in the ground. Certain cemeteries are better at maintaining the ground surrounding its headstones than others, but at some point, chances are that the earth below will erode and the stone will begin to sink. This could eventually make the lettering unreadable or even make the stone difficult to find amongst others. Adding a base to the headstone is the easiest way to prevent this from happening, physically restraining it from sinking.
Dirt Build-Ups
Headstones can become dirty in time for a number of reasons. Excessive weathering, for example, can create a less polished surface. Lichen growth and grass clippings can also impact how clean it is, and the surrounding soil could even stain the stone. Fortunately, a gravestone cleaning service can tackle these issues with ease.
Stewarton Memorials: Your Trusted Headstone Company
Whether you’re looking for headstone restorations or gravestone cleaning services, Stewarton Memorials can help. Our expert team can help to preserve the integrity of your loved one’s headstone, helping it to serve as a beautiful tribute to their memory. For more information about our services, please get in touch.
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